Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has unveiled the latest addition to its Schweppes 1783 range 10 months after it first launched in GB in 2017. Schweppes 1783 Muscovado has been crafted by mixologists to enhance the taste of dark spirits like whisk(e)y and rum which are one of the drivers of spirit category growth thanks to growing consumer popularity.[1]

Launching in September, Schweppes 1783 Muscovado is naturally flavoured to deliver hints of vanilla, caramel and butterscotch and will help licensees tap into the growing popularity of dark spirits. Research shows that sales of dark and flavoured rum are in strong growth and demand for whisk(e)y is also on the up, with sales increasing by 2.5%.[2]

The new variant will be available in a 200ml glass bottle which pays homage to the brand’s heritage. The premium skittle-shaped bottle, seen across the entire Schweppes portfolio, is modelled on the original Schweppes skittle which was blown and formed in a single piece by inventor Jacob Schweppes back in 1783.

The 1783 range was launched in October 2017 as part of the Schweppes brand’s biggest investment in its 235-year history. Its launch coincided with the rebrand of Schweppes and a huge £6.6m four month marketing campaign. Schweppes has subsequently embarked upon a series of partnerships with venues including the Royal Albert Hall, O2 Arena, Rick Stein restaurants and Goodwood Estate. The brand also became the official tonic partner of Gin Festival and kicked off its biggest ever experiential consumer sampling campaign in support of 1783 earlier this year.

Schweppes 1783 Muscovado joins the five-strong 1783 range which includes Crisp Tonic Water, Light Tonic Water, Golder Ginger Ale, as well as two unique flavoured tonics; Salty Lemon Tonic Water and Quenching Cucumber Tonic Water, to offer more choice to the adventurous consumer. Each mixer is naturally flavoured to marry perfectly with the finest spirits and elevate the taste sensation.

Simon Harrison, customer marketing director GB at Coca-Cola European Partners, said: “The new Muscovado variant highlights how 1783 is more than a range of tonics, but instead a portfolio of naturally flavoured premium mixers with the same long-lasting effervescence associated with classic Schweppes. Expertly crafted with guidance from mixologists and drink experts, the full 1783 range is designed to help licensees and bartenders deliver interesting, great tasting, mixed drinks and cocktails for consumers to explore.

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) is the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler. CCEP is the sole licensed bottler for products of The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) in Andorra, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.